Just 45 Minutes of Exercise a Week can Benefit Older Adults with Arthritis
According to the CDC, arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, affects 49.7 percent of people over the age of 65. That means nearly half of us will experience pain and discomfort in the joints during our “retirement years.” The good news is, a new study shows that it doesn’t take much to improve and maintain good physical function. Professor of Rheumatology and Preventative Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School, Dorothy Dunlap and her team have determined that just 45 minutes of moderate exercise per week is enough to help arthritic patients better control their condition.
Here at Zero Gravity, we have found that the trick is to find forms of exercise that don’t intimidate our senior population. Over the past ten years, we have helped older adults exercise in a way that helps them feel better, not beat up. Exercise can be intimidating for people who live with arthritis pain. We help people recognize their limitations and then design programs that fit those limitations. At Zero Gravity, what we find is that over time clients eventually feel better and do more. When they exceed expectations, they also gain confidence.
When working with an older population, it helps to have all of the Pilates equipment available. This specialized equipment is particularly beneficial to those who find it difficult to get up and down off the floor. It allows people to use the equipment for strength and stretching without putting them in an uncomfortable and often embarrassing position. Supporting our clients through some light cardio in addition to this type of work is usually enough to get them feeling better. At Zero Gravity we have seen amazing results. It’s nice to see that research confirms this approach is working.
There is no need to put off getting started on a program. If you are suffering with arthritis, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today. We can guide you through that 45 minutes of exercise that will help you manage your pain, and improve function. Get started on the path to a better you.
Sara Acioli
Owner
Zero Gravity Fitness
* Doctor Dunlap’s study can be found in the journal Arthritis Care & Research